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Dorset praised for speedy adoptions

Dorset’s record for placing children with an adoptive family without delay is one of the best in the country.

The Department for Education (DfE) has published scorecards for local authorities and adoption agencies across England for the last three years.

Councils are ranked on the time between a child entering care and moving in with an adoptive family, and the time between a local authority receiving court permission to place a child and the local authority deciding on a match to an adoptive family.

Out of 152 local authorities, Dorset County Council ranked 8th for the time it takes from a child going into care to moving in with a family, and the time between receiving court permission to place a child and the council deciding on a match was nearly half the national average – just over three months, compared to six elsewhere.

Cllr Rebecca Knox, Cabinet member for children's safeguarding and families at Dorset County Council, said: “Having a loving home can change a child's life for the better, so making this happen is our priority. The most important thing is that we find a child the right family that meets their individual needs. Our adoption team have tried to make the process as straight forward and timely as possible, and work to make this process quicker continues.

“It's great that Dorset is doing so well, and thanks must be given to the families who come forward to provide loving homes for all the children and young people waiting for adoption.”

Dorset County Council is keen to hear from anyone who would like to find out more about adoption.

Cllr Knox added: “We could not find loving families for these children and young people without potential adopters coming forward, so if you think you might be able to offer a child a home, please get in touch.”

To find out more about adoption in Dorset, visit www.dorsetforyou.com/adoption or call 01305 228200